Up First from NPR
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NPR's Up First is the news you need to start your day. The three biggest stories of the day, with reporting and analysis from NPR News — in 10 minutes. Available weekdays at 6:30 a.m. ET, with hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin and A Martinez. Also available on Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET, with Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon. On Sundays, hear a longer exploration behind the headlines with Ayesha Rascoe on "The Sunday Story," available by 8 a.m. ET. Subscribe and listen, then support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst
Episodes
Mentioned books
104 snips
May 27, 2025 • 13min
New Gaza Aid Group Faces Criticism, Harvard President Speaks Out, DEI Rollbacks
Israel's recent lift on humanitarian aid restrictions brings hope but faces backlash from various groups over a new food aid initiative for Gaza. Harvard's president discusses the university's legal battles and the political climate affecting its diversity programs. Meanwhile, corporate America sees significant cuts in diversity, equity, and inclusion roles, spurring a debate on the importance of these initiatives. The challenges of job seekers in this shifting landscape are also highlighted.
192 snips
May 26, 2025 • 13min
Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast
Russia has ramped up its airstrikes in Ukraine, raising fears for civilians caught in the conflict. As summer travel kicks off, safety concerns loom with reports of air traffic control issues and a deadly midair collision. Meanwhile, wildfires are expected to pose a significant risk this season, compounded by budget cuts affecting firefighting capabilities. The emotional toll of the war is highlighted through touching stories of soldiers reuniting with their families. Overall, the complex interplay of conflict, travel safety, and environmental challenges takes center stage.
65 snips
May 25, 2025 • 19min
The Class of 2025
Bobby McAlpine, the student body president at The Ohio State University, shares insights on the struggles of the Class of 2025 amid significant funding cuts. He talks about the anxiety felt by students regarding legislative changes affecting diversity and inclusion services. McAlpine also discusses the contrasting emotions of pride and uncertainty as graduates anticipate their futures. The podcast highlights a collective desire for advocacy, resilience, and motivation to drive positive change in their communities, despite the daunting challenges they face in higher education.
80 snips
May 24, 2025 • 20min
National Security Council Shakeup, George Floyd Murder and Political Extremism
Odette Youssef, NPR's domestic extremism correspondent, joins to discuss significant shifts in the White House National Security Council, focusing on the recent staff firings and their potential impact on national security. She delves into the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, examining how it sparked both a movement for racial justice and a rise in conspiracy theories and political extremism. Youssef emphasizes the complex interplay of social issues and warns against oversimplification in a divided landscape.
193 snips
May 23, 2025 • 14min
Suspected D.C. Shooter Charged, Trump vs. Harvard, SCOTUS Ruling On Agency Firings
A suspect has been charged in the murders of two Israeli embassy employees, raising concerns about hate crime motives. The Trump administration's decision to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll international students has left current students in confusion. Meanwhile, a recent Supreme Court ruling empowers the President to fire members of independent agencies, igniting debates over political influence. The emotional turmoil faced by students amid these changes highlights the broader implications for education and safety in communities.
176 snips
May 22, 2025 • 13min
Israeli Embassy Employees Killed, Israel's Occupation Plans, Trump Bill Latest
A tragic shooting incident claims the lives of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, raising concerns over anti-Semitism. Meanwhile, Israel's military actions intensify as it seeks control over Gaza, further complicating the humanitarian crisis. On the domestic front, House Republicans are racing to push through a tax cut bill tied to Trump’s agenda, amidst fierce negotiations revealing deep party divisions. The discussions intertwine local impacts with broader political ramifications, creating a compelling narrative.
120 snips
May 21, 2025 • 13min
Negotiating Trump's Sweeping Agenda, South Africa's President, DOGE Cuts
Tensions rise as Trump's tax and immigration bill faces pushback from both moderate and hardline Republicans, warning of potential tax hikes. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's upcoming visit to the U.S. highlights diplomatic challenges amid strained relations since apartheid. Meanwhile, the Department of Government Efficiency is on a mission to streamline federal agencies but faces legal hurdles and internal resistance. The mix of politics and government efficiency makes for a gripping discussion!
65 snips
May 20, 2025 • 13min
Trump's Talk With Putin, Israel's Incursion, Weather Service Budget Cuts
The conversation between Trump and Putin takes center stage, revealing their contrasting views on Ukraine peace talks. Meanwhile, Israeli forces are forcing evacuations in Gaza, leaving residents in a dire situation with nowhere to go. The podcast also highlights the National Weather Service's struggles due to budget cuts, raising concerns about severe weather forecasting amidst climate change. Lastly, there's a discussion on the alarming rise in tornado activity and how climate factors may be intensifying these events, creating challenges for forecasters.
198 snips
May 19, 2025 • 13min
Biden Cancer Diagnosis, Escalation In Gaza, Kentucky Storm Recovery
The podcast explores the recent prostate cancer diagnosis of former President Biden, raising concerns about his health and political future. There’s a deep dive into the escalating military actions in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians. Additionally, the devastating impact of severe storms in Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia is discussed, highlighting community resilience in the face of disaster. The contrast between international conflict and local recovery efforts creates a poignant narrative about human struggles and solidarity.
148 snips
May 18, 2025 • 29min
Is America becoming an autocracy?
Frank Langfitt, NPR's roving national correspondent with extensive experience reporting from autocratic regimes, discusses the unsettling shift in the U.S. towards authoritarianism. He shares insights from scholars and individuals who fled oppressive countries, drawing parallels between the Trump era's tactics and repression abroad. The conversation highlights the erosion of democratic norms, the subtlety of autocracy, and the resilience of those fighting for democracy in America, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and combating these trends.
